We are dedicated to providing the best educational experience for our students and part of that is increasing attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism.

Michelle Johnson

West Campus

Attendance Office

608 S. Olds Blvd.

Fairless Hills, PA 19030

PH: 215.949.6780, Press 1

Fax: 215.269.4864

Sue Lubanski

East Campus

Attendance Office

705 Hood Blvd.

Fairless Hills, PA 19030

PH: 215.949.6700

Fax: 215.949.3896

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between excused and unexcused absences?

Excused absences and unexcused absences all count towards attendance hours. However, excused absences do not count against a student’s truancy record, and therefore will not cause a parent and student to be filed on through the court system. Unexcused absences will count against a student’s truancy record, and can result in disciplinary measures and/or court filings. In order for an absence or tardy to be considered excused, parent and doctor notes must be submitted within 3 school days of the absence. Notes received after 3 days will not change the absence coding. For a list of excused absences, please see the Student Conduct Policy.

What types of absences are excused?

The only absences permitted by law are for the following reasons:

Student illness

Death in family

Religious holiday & religious instruction as permitted by law

Other urgent reasons

Educational trip approved ahead of time

College visits

Court subpoenas

What are the penalties of habitual truancy?

Habitual truancy due to unexcused absences is a summary offense addressed under the Pennsylvania Public School Code Compulsory Attendance Law amended by Act 138 of 2016. As such, penalties (i.e. a fine up to $750, a jail sentence up to three days, attendance at parenting classes, community services in the school district of up to six months) may be imposed against parents, guardians and others responsible for truant children under the age of 17. In cases where the student is determined to be in violation of the compulsory attendance law, he/ she will be subject to penalties (i.e. a fine up to $300, assignment to an adjudication alternative program, driver’s license suspension for 90 days, disposition as dependent child). Referrals to the Children and Youth Agency can be made for habitually truant students. For more information, please refer to the letter from Mrs. Aldridge regarding attendance.

What is a Student Attendance Improvement Plan?

Upon the student’s third unexcused absence, a school and family conference will be completed to discuss the cause of the child’s truancy and develop a mutually agreed upon plan to resolve truant behavior.

Mission StatementRecognizing our proud traditions and diverse community,
the Pennsbury School District prepares all students to become creative,
ethical, and critical thinkers for lifelong success in a global society.